Mountable clamp-on cat scratching device

Abstract

A cat scratching post that incorporates a clamping mechanism for secure and stable attachment to a receiving object like a doorjamb. A resilient main superstructure has an adhesive interface securing a surface material that is appropriate for cats to scratch or climb. A user of the scratching post can pry open the superstructure and clamp it onto a receiving object. The device is an improvement over other scratching posts because of its space saving implications, as virtually no floor area is required. No base is required to stabilize the device; stability is derived from the receiving object combined with the clamping force the scratching post provides. A detachable base element may be incorporated for freestanding use. Perch elements and hanging toys can be attached providing climbing, perching, and playing opportunities. (Two units of the invention can be clamped end to end to make a climbing area twice as long.)

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. In combination: 
       a flexible sturdy superstructure having a long axis, a first side, a second side, at least two folds paralleling said long axis, and connection means; a covering connected to said first side by said connection means, said covering being susceptible to engagement by animal claws; said folds all causing said first side to be salient; said flexible sturdy superstructure superstructure being deformable to embrace a receiving object against said second side.  
     
     
       2. The combination of  claim 1  in which said folds are infinite in number so that said superstructure is cylindroid, said first side is convex, and said second side is concave. 
     
     
       3. The combination of  claim 1  in which said connection means is VELCRO (hook and loop fasteners). 
     
     
       4. The combination of  claim 1  in which said connection means is glue. 
     
     
       5. The combination of  claim 1  in which said connection means is snaps. 
     
     
       6. The combination of  claim 1  in which said connection means is buttons. 
     
     
       7. The combination of  claim 1  in which said superstructure has contact points meeting said receiving object, said contact points being slip resistant. 
     
     
       8. The combination of  claim 1  in which said superstructure has contact points meeting said receiving object and said contact points have apertures suitably sized to admit human fingers between said superstructure and said receiving object. 
     
     
       9. The combination of  claim 1  in which said superstructure has stabilizing screws; said stabilizing screws engaging said receiving object; said stabilizing screws being adjustable to a plurality of engagement force levels. 
     
     
       10. The combination of  claim 1  further comprising a projection from said first side, said projection being suitably sized to provide a resting point for an animal. 
     
     
       11. The combination of  claim 1  further comprising said superstructure has fastening means; and animal toys adapted to be fastened to said fastening means are removably fastened to said fastening means. 
     
     
       12. The combination of  claim 1  further comprising a removable base adapted to be attached to said superstructure by an attachment means. 
     
     
       13. The combination of  claim 1  further comprising a removable ledge adapted to be attached to said superstructure by an attachment means. 
     
     
       14. In combination: 
       a first resilient sturdy superstructure having a first long axis, a first side, a second side, first folds paralleling said first long axis, first connection means and first attachment means; a first covering connected to said first side by said first connection means, said first covering being susceptible to engagement by animal claws; said first folds all causing said first side to be salient; said first attachment means operable to attach said first resilient sturdy superstructure to a receiving object;  
       a second resilient sturdy superstructure having a second superstructure long axis, an outside, an inside, second superstructure folds paralleling said second superstructure long axis, and second superstructure connection means; a second superstructure covering connected to said outside by said second superstructure connection means, said second superstructure covering being susceptible to engagement by animal claws; said second superstructure folds all causing said outside to be salient; and  
       said first attachment means being operable to attach said first resilient sturdy superstructure to said second resilient sturdy superstructure.